Rockland hires development director

ROCKLAND, Maine — A veteran economic development official has been hired to be Rockland’s next community development director.

John Holden of Winterport will start Jan. 14, Rockland City Manager James Smith announced Monday evening.

“John brings more than 20 years of knowledge and experience in working with community and economic development,” Smith stated in a news release.

Holden has been employed since January 2009 by Eaton Peabody Consulting Group as an economic development consultant, according to his resume provided by the city. During those four years he has worked on projects in Howland, Gardiner, Farmington and Lisbon.

He also served as an economic development adviser to Old Town and Howland.

Holden also served as an area specialist for USDA Rural Development in Lewiston, director of business development for Eastern Maine Development Corporation, community economic development specialist for EMDC, managing director for retention and expansion programs for Ohio State University, and a research associate for the University of Maine.

In 1987, he earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences from Bowling Green State University, and his master’s degree in community economic development from the University of Maine in 1989.

Smith said Holden is eager to begin listening to area residents, business owners and key stakeholders.

“He looks forward to helping guide and move Rockland forward by strengthening our existing businesses and attracting new development. John is committed to making Rockland a place people want to live, work and visit,” Smith stated in the news release.

Holden succeeds Audrey Lovering who resigned abruptly in October 2012 over a dispute. No details about the dispute were given, but Lovering reached a settlement agreement with the city manager. The city’s insurance carrier picked up a large share of the expenses.